Proper vision depends not only on the health of your eyes, but also their alignment, the health of the optic nerve and the areas of the brain that process vision. A vision therapist works with patients to correct or adapt to defects in this system, improving the patient's quality of life. Certification is offered by several institutions to certify that a professional has reached a high level of expertise in vision therapy.

Study to obtain the required level of knowledge of vision, the eye and visual neuroscience. Many of these will be met by obtaining the degree necessary to practice optometry at your desired level: an MD for an optometrist or a Bachelor's degree for an optometry technician.

Secure and maintain a professional license to practice optometry at your desired level: an optometrist, researcher or optometry technician or nurse.

Pursue specialized knowledge in vision therapy and the disorders that require vision therapy, including lens disorders and damage, vision development, strabismus and amblyopia, learning-related vision disorders and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. You will be exposed to these topics during supervised practice and the guided study required by many certification programs.

Practice vision therapy in a supervised setting for the required amount of time. Certification for optometry technicians typically requires several hundred supervised practice hours. Certification for a practicing optometrist requires three years of overall practice with two years devoted to vision therapy.

Register for and complete one of the accredited vision therapy certification exams. The College of Optometrists in Vision Developments offers certification in vision therapy for practicing optometrists, vision researcher and optometry technicians. The Academy for Certification in Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals offers certification for specialties in low vision therapy, orientation and mobility and vision rehabilitation.

About the Author

Chris Daniels covers advances in nutrition and fitness online. Daniels has numerous certifications and degrees covering human health, nutritional requirements and sports performance. An avid cyclist, weightlifter and swimmer, Daniels has experienced the journey of fitness in the role of both an athlete and coach.